Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)

                                      धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितःपरमो धरम 

                       the law protects when it is protected 

The Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is the foreign intelligence agency of India. The agency's primary function is to gather foreign intelligence, the primary function is gathering foreign intelligence, counter-terrorism, counter-proliferation, advising Indian policymakers, and advancing India's foreign strategic interests. It is also involved in the security of India's nuclear program.

The head of RAW is designated secretary in the cabinet secretariat and is under the direct command of the prime minister, and reports on an administrative basis to the National Security Advisor of India, who further reports to the Prime Minister.

Role of RAW

The broad objectives of RAW include:

1. Monitoring the potential, military, economic and scientific developments in countries that have a direct bearing on India's national security and the formulation of its foreign policy.

2. Moulding international public opinion and influence foreign governments.

3. Covert operations to safeguard India's national interests.

4. Anti-terror operations and neutralizing terror elements posing to India.

Qualities required for RAW

1. Academic and practical orientation

2. Good at keeping secrets and being an introvert

3. Ready to work in very high pressure

4. Ready to handle crisis situations

5. Discipline and adventurous

6. Ready to follow directions

7. Physically fit

Ranks in RAW

1. Secretary

2. Special/Additional secretary

3. Joint Secretary

4. Director/deputy secretary

5. Senior field officer

6. Field officer

7. Deputy field officer

8. Assistant field officer

Organizational Structure of RAW

Entry options in RAW

1. Initially, RAW relied primarily on trained intelligence officers who were recruited directly. These belonged to the external wing of the intelligence bureau. Candidates are recruited from the Indian Armed Forces, Police, and Indian Revenue Service Officers. Later, RAW began directly recruiting graduates from universities. In 1983 RAW created its own service cadre, the Research and Analysis Service (RAS) to absorb talent from other Group A civil services, under the Central Staffing Scheme.

2. Direct recruitment at Class 1 executive-level I from civil services officers undergoing foundation course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration. At the end of the course, RAW conducts a campus interview. Based on a selection of psychological tests and the interview, candidates are inducted into RAW for a lien period of one year. During this period, they have an option of rejoining their parent service (if they wish to) after which they can be permanently absorbed into the Research and Analysis Service (RAS).

3. Additionally, recruitment is also by the lateral deputation from the Officer Corps of Armed Forces or Group A Civil Service Officers. The Civil Defense Officers permanently resign their cadre and join the RAS. However, according to recent reports, officers can return their parent cadre after serving a specific period in the agency if they wish to.

4. Most of the secretaries have been officers from the IPS and other posts are held by IRS and IFS officers. RAW also employs a number of linguists and other experts in various fields directly through the staff selection commission.